Apr 27, 2026 | Blog, Men’s Hair Care
Men often sit down in our barber chairs fresh from their shower in the morning, with slightly damp hair and the scent of shampoo still emanating from it. After looking into the mirror, they conclude that they’ve finally found the time to conceal those gray hair threads or experiment with a whole new hair color.
Upon inquiry about the last hair wash, these clients proudly report that they recently washed it thoroughly. The sad part is that we then have to explain to them that squeaky clean hair is definitely not the best choice, much like the timing questions that come up around washing your hair after a haircut.
Determining an Optimal Time of Washing Hair Before Coloring
Trying to balance the desire of making oneself presentable before a barber and the one of receiving the best coloring results may prove tricky. In the course of our weekly activity in the barbershop at First & Mane, we’ve come across this issue many times, especially when clients ask, can you dye freshly washed hair? That is why we want to clarify the question once and for all to guarantee your comfort, long-lasting hair color, and overall quality of the procedure.
The Basics of How Hair Dyeing Works
In order to find out how freshly washed hair affects the coloring process, it is vital to understand the mechanism itself. Hair coloring relies on chemical reactions, as the color molecules need to be inserted into the inner layers of the hair cuticle to create an even coating. For such insertion to occur, ammonia or another alkali is required as an open-upping medium for the cuticle cells.
The scalp glands constantly produce an oil, which is called sebum, and this sebum travels down to the hair strands. Being the natural protection for your head, this product defends it from the environmental factors, as well as friction and aggressive chemical products. When your hair cuticles have a natural covering of sebum, this oil regulates the chemical reactions during the coloring process.
Why Is Recently Washed Hair Bad for You?
Can I wash my hair before I dye it? A heavy wash of your hair eliminates all of its protective properties by removing the natural oils. As a result, your scalp remains completely unprotected, which creates an unpleasant risk of burning, itching, and other kinds of irritations. We would prefer having you relaxed and enjoying your hair care procedure rather than in pain caused by the chemical compounds.
Another disadvantage of washing hair just before coloring it concerns how the color molecules will adhere to your hair. While the coloring will occur regardless of hair being freshly washed, some people face problems with the penetration of chemicals into the hair structure. This is due to the additional layer created by the conditioner left over the hair strands.
The Ideal Scenario for Dyeing Hair
The optimal way of getting your hair colored would be coming to the barber shop after 24 to 48 hours of washing your hair. With this timeline, you will allow yourself enough time to develop a protective layer while remaining free of excess natural oils. If you decide to experiment with color, it is recommended to use a clarifying shampoo the day before coloring.
Make sure that your hair is completely free of any heavy styling products. This will enable us to apply the chemicals properly, thus creating even color across the strands. If you work out a lot or have a physically intense job, a rinse may be done 24 hours prior to coloring, but do n`ot use heavy shampoos. Should I wash my hair before dying it? If you have the option, avoid washing directly before an appointment. We can always assess the state of your hair ourselves and provide tailored advice.
FAQs
How Long Should You Wait To Dye After A Wash?
You should never rush coloring and should wait at least 24 hours after the last hair wash. An option of waiting up to 48 hours proves ideal for men with sensitive skin because it will provide extra protection for the scalp.
Can I Use A Conditioner The Day Before Dyeing My Hair?
You should stay away from conditioners because of their nature. As opposed to shampoos, they aim at smoothing the cuticles and forming a protective film. This film will prevent the coloring molecules from penetrating into the inner parts of the hair strands and, consequently, create an unsteady color.
Will Wet Or Dry Hair React The Same Way To Hair Dye?
When you apply the hair dye on wet hair, the coloring will turn out to be ineffective because the water fills up the pores inside the cuticle. This way, the coloring molecules will fail to insert into the strands. Consequently, we always apply hair colors on entirely dry hair to make sure the effect is vivid enough.
Achieve the Best Color Result at First & Mane!
Can I dye my hair after washing it? Now you know. It is crucial to keep your scalp protected from any harm while enjoying an awesome hair color. Do not hesitate to visit our barbershop for a consultation concerning your hair issues!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Apr 16, 2026 | Blog, Men’s Hair Care
During the summer season, everybody is eager to spend weekends at the beach. However, after our clients come to us to have a haircut or trim after spending a weekend at the beach, they wonder what the effects of salt water are on their hair. Although almost everybody likes having a nice thick mane after being in the sun, nobody can avoid the concerns about the dryness of hair on Sunday night.
We are constantly receiving such questions from our clients at First & Mane and would like to share our knowledge on the impact of the ocean on your hair with you. Book an appointment at First & Mane to get tailored advice!
Benefits of Salt Water
Firstly, when we recommend styling hair in a way that will result in a messy hairstyle after surfing, we suppose that he wants to have a thick and voluminous hairdo. Thankfully, saltwater contains lots of crystals, which are excellent texturizers. As a consequence, after drying the hair, the crystals remain on the head, creating friction between hair strands and increasing the volume of hair. Is salt water good for your hair? In this sense, absolutely.
Another positive effect of salt is that it provides natural cleansing for your hair. Being an excellent exfoliant, salt helps in removing dead skin cells from your scalp, cleaning and refreshing your hair. Finally, if you have some problems with excessive oiliness of the scalp, salt water can solve the problem since it serves as an astringent that narrows the pores and ceases oil production.
Dangerous Effects of Salt Water
Is salt water bad for your hair? Despite the fact that salt makes your hair look fabulous, daily exposure can lead to undesirable results for your hair and scalp. First, salt strips your hair of the protective layer of sebum, making it excessively dry and brittle. Second, losing moisture, hair becomes fragile and prone to breaking and damaging. In addition, at the end of summer, we observe our clients’ hair being split at the ends and very dry, which makes it difficult to manage. Salt water is good for hair in some styling and cleansing situations, but this doesn’t mean you don’t need to be careful.
Furthermore, if you regularly color your hair, salty water combined with the effect of UV rays leads to hair fading and thus makes your hair look pale and unattractive. This is also why many people ask, can salt water damage your hair? That is why we would recommend thinking twice before you choose to treat your hair in such a way.
Tips for Protecting Your Hair
Fortunately, it is unnecessary to abandon the benefits brought to your hair by salty water since we would like to recommend some ways of protecting your hair. Firstly, being like a sponge, hair easily absorbs anything that comes into contact with it. Therefore, we would recommend rinsing your hair with fresh water before getting into salt water to avoid soaking salt into your hair. This can help reduce the effect of salt water on hair.
Moreover, immediately after swimming, it is vital to wash your hair in order to cleanse it from salt. You should first rinse it with fresh water and then shampoo and condition your hair to cleanse it from salt and protect from further dehydration. We would also recommend using several drops of argan oil before leaving your house since it creates protective cover that saves hair from any damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Salt Lead To Hair Loss?
Certainly not. Although hair can become dry and fragile because of exposure to salt, it will not cause hair loss in any way. Hair simply will break while combing due to lack of elasticity. As a consequence, hair will break right at the middle of its shaft without touching the hair follicle.
Do I Need To Wash My Hair Right After Getting Home From The Beach?
Yes, it is advisable to wash your hair to remove salt from your hair and prevent dehydration.
Can I Use Sea Salt Spray?
Yes, this type of product will be a great replacement for ordinary sea salt. It has similar effect and contains many ingredients that protect your hair and scalp from dehydration.
Summary
As we mentioned earlier, there are both positive and negative effects of salty water. To get tailored advice, be sure to contact our team at First & Mane!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Apr 7, 2026 | Blog, Men’s Hair Care
Almost every year in late June, the same question arises in our barbershop. One of our regulars takes the place in the chair, looks into the mirror, and claims his hair has taken over his entire head since the last haircut. The hot summer days are finally here, and it turns out that men cannot survive without a haircut every two weeks instead of the traditional four.
Our clients at First & Mane say that very often, and, in the majority of cases, they turn out to be right. Indeed, when the weather is nice, men go out, become healthier, and their hair grows faster.
But is there any scientific evidence to prove this assumption? Having seen thousands of haircuts, we decided to analyze this issue. Today, we are going to explain how your follicles react to rising temperatures, especially if you are looking for a Scottsdale, AZ, barber shop near you.
The Process of Natural Hair Growth
It is impossible to discuss the impact of weather on hair growth without understanding how hair grows naturally, including the common question, does hair grow quicker in the summer? There are three stages that a hair follicle goes through before becoming visible on the head. The first phase is the anagen phase. This is the stage when hair follicles grow actively. It takes two to six years for one hair to reach the end of this cycle.
Next, it is replaced by the catagen phase. This is a short transitional period when hair stops growing and detaches from the bloodstream. The final stage is the telogen phase. During this resting period, hair follicles remain inactive for several weeks and fall off, allowing for new hairs to start growing.
The whole cycle depends on different external and internal factors. Of course, genetics plays the leading role in this process. Still, your diet, hormonal balance, and the overall state of your health also affect how healthy and fast-growing your hair is.
The Influence of Summer Weather
In the summer, everything changes around you, and your organism reacts to it. Firstly, the sun becomes brighter, and you spend more time outdoors under direct sunlight. Thanks to this, you obtain more vitamin D. This specific vitamin helps you to create new hair follicles. Increased levels of this substance can even activate dormant hair follicles and force them to enter the growth phase, which helps explain the question of…do hair grow faster in summer?
Physical warmth also contributes to the accelerated hair growth process. With rising temperatures, your body begins to struggle to reduce heat. To achieve this goal, your cardiovascular system pumps a lot more blood to the skin surface, including your scalp. In such a way, you receive increased oxygen levels in the hair follicles.
Dispelling Myths About Hair Growth in Summer
As far as science goes, it seems that the hair follicles indeed become more active in the summer. According to several studies, hair growth rates peak during this time of the year thanks to increased blood circulation and hormonal changes triggered by additional daylight, which helps answer. why does hair grow faster in the summer.
Or does it? The difference may be insignificant. We are talking about just fractions of millimeters per month.
Your hair grows faster, but barely so. The fact is that you have the feeling that your hair grew faster in the summer only because you perceive it differently. With the help of humid weather, your hair follicles swell up and become more noticeable. While there is some evidence for faster hair growth during summer days, it is hardly strong enough to change your styling routine entirely.
FAQs on Summer Hair
Do summer months prevent hair loss?
Yes, many men claim that in summer, they find fewer hairs on the floor of their bathroom. In reality, we tend to retain a lot more hair during summer to prevent the sunburn.
Does excessive sweating spoil your scalp health?
There is nothing wrong with sweating. This process consists of just two components – water and salt. However, the combination of salt and natural hair oils can cause problems. In order to avoid this situation, you should cleanse your scalp after sweating intensively.
How frequently should I get haircuts in the summer?
Even though hair follicles grow a bit faster, the increased humidity levels mean that it will seem that you have gained a lot more volume. As a result, you may need to see a barber once every three weeks rather than four. Trimmed hair will look neat and tidy no matter how hot it is, even if hair grows faster in summer.
Maintain Perfect Hairstyle in Summer
The secret of increased hair follicle activity during the summer is revealed. Yes, the sunshine causes some slight changes in your scalp. However, the main contribution to increased hair volume comes from high humidity levels and outdoor activities. If you notice the growth of your hair has accelerated, do not wait for summer to pass. Instead, you should immediately come to us to get rid of your worries! very morning. At First & Mane, we feel proud of being able to offer personalized styles and cuts to our clients based on their lifestyles, head types and hair structure. Come to us and enjoy an amazing taper hairstyle!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Feb 23, 2026 | Beard Maintenance, Blog
It’s one thing to grow a beard, and it is another thing entirely to take care of the skin underneath the beard. This is where most men tend to go wrong. We’ve seen it happen so many times in our barber shop. Men come in, complaining of itchiness, flakiness, and irritation beneath their beards. Well, let us tell you something: dry skin beneath a beard is one of the most common problems out there, but it is also one of the most preventable problems out there. With the right solution, of course.
If you need expert advice on beard care, contact our barbers at First & Mane for personalized tips and recommendations!
What is Beardruff, and What Causes Dry Skin?
If you notice white flakes in your beard, then you have what we call “beardruff.” Simply put, beardruff is where the skin beneath your beard dries up and flakes off, and these flakes get caught in your beard.
Sadly, there are a lot of different reasons for beardruff. One of them is because you are using harsh soaps on your face, which dry up your skin and cause it to flake off and get caught in your beard. Another reason for beardruff is because you are not washing your beard enough. It could also be because you are not moisturizing the skin beneath your beard enough. Experiencing dry skin under a beard is more common than you think, but it is preventable with the right routine.
Deep Cleansing with Beard-Specific Products
So, if you want to get rid of the dry skin that is located underneath your beard, then you need to start off with the right cleansers. What this means is that you need a beard wash, as opposed to a traditional wash. This is because a beard wash is a specialized combination of ingredients that is designed specifically to wash beards, while keeping the skin underneath moisturized. If you’ve noticed that the skin under the beard is dry, this switch can really help. You need to wash your beard two or three times a week. Any more than this, and you start stripping the oils.
Exfoliation is one of those steps that people tend to overlook. Dead skin cells can build up under your beard in no time, leading not only to dry skin but also to beardruff. Our advice is to brush your beard once or twice a week with a soft-bristled brush or scrub. Massage it onto your skin, getting it as low as possible. This not only helps remove dead skin cells, it also improves circulation, allowing moisturizers to penetrate deeper.
Of course, do not overdo it, or you may irritate your skin easily. If you’re wondering how to treat dry skin under beard, regular exfoliation is a crucial part of the solution.
Choosing Between Beard Oils and Balms
After you have cleaned your beard, you now need to seal in all that moisture you have applied. Our first advice is to try out a beard oil. Believe it or not, it works wonders. Simply apply a few drops of oil onto your damp beard hair, then massage it onto your skin. If you have dry skin, then you may want to consider a utility balm. These help seal in all that moisture, allowing it to penetrate deeper. Simply apply it onto your skin after you have applied oil.
It’s All About Routine
Though not rocket science, getting rid of dry skin under your beard requires a little effort. The solution is quite simple: wash your beard regularly with good quality wash, brush your beard once or twice a week, and moisturize your skin with good quality moisturizer. We have already helped hundreds of clients get rid of their beardruff and dry skin irritation by following these simple steps. If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I keep getting dry skin under my beard?” – just know that with a consistent routine, results will follow. That is as simple as it gets! washing your hair two or three times a week. On the other days, try and rinse your hair with water.
Condition Your Hair After Washing
This is yet another area where men are getting it wrong. This is a crucial step in ensuring your scalp is moisturized and hydrated.
Conditioner is supposed to be used only in your hair ends and lengths, never your scalp. This is because it will lead to buildup.
Finding the Right Product
At the end of the day, every person’s scalp is different. What works for your friend may not work for you. You will have to try a few of the products mentioned here and find the right one for your use.
If your problem still persists even after you have done your best with the special products and the right methods of washing your scalp, it is time to book an appointment with your doctor.
There is no need to complicate the process. With the right ingredients and the right methods of washing your scalp, you will have a better experience and a better head of hair too. If you need personalized advice, don’t be afraid to ask the next time you’re in First & Mane!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Aug 1, 2025 | Barber FAQs, Blog
Walk down any American street, and you can’t help but notice that familiar red, white, and blue striped pole spinning in front of a barber shop. That iconic symbol has led customers towards haircuts and shaves for decades, but its origins tell a much more epic story than you might imagine, especially for those curious about barber pole history.
The origins of the barber pole date far beyond mere hair needs, linking to medieval medicine, ancient practices, even life-or-death operations. So, why do barber shops have the swirly thing? To trace such a symbol’s history is to gain a glimpse of how radically barbering changed over the ages. So, let’s travel back to the past to explore a history that impacts us at First and Mane just as much as every other barber shop!
Origins During Medieval Period
The barber shop pole history had its roots in medieval Europe, where barbers did a lot more than trimming hair. Barbers in medieval Europe were surgeon-barbers, performing medical tasks ranging from tooth pulling to limb amputation. Most notably, they were practitioners of bloodletting – a medical practice grounded in theories positing that removal of blood would cure a host of diseases.
It entailed cutting tiny gashes in patients’ arms or applying leeches to extract blood. Patients held a pole firmly in their grasp while it was performed in order to induce blood flow, while clean bandages were prepared around the pole in advance and blood-soaked ones were hung out for drying later. White fluttering bandages adjacent to red-stained pieces of cloth around a wooden pole became today’s earliest form of barber pole.
The practice wasn’t just common – it was essential healthcare for the time. Barber-surgeons held respected positions in their communities, and their distinctive pole served as both advertisement and medical symbol – much like the ‘swirly thing’ outside a barber shop attracts attention today.
Colors and Their Symbolism
Each of the colors on the traditional barber pole carries specific historical significance. Red stripes represented blood in medical procedures, while white indicated fresh bandages used in treatments. The pole itself made of wood represented the patient’s stick during bloodlettings.
The inclusion of blue stripes is a curious anecdote concerning geography and regulation. When blue was included in European nations in order to indicate barber-surgeons qualified in performing surgery as opposed to those only qualified in basic treatments, when the symbol traveled across to America it gained a patriotic interpretation in which it included American flag colors.
Some areas adopted variations – British barber poles are commonly found with only red and white, while French variants are occasionally plated with gold stripes. These variations indicate local practices and regulatory differences between cosmetic and medical services.
Evolution Over the Centuries
As medical science changed, the barbering profession changed drastically. Barbers were isolated from surgical procedures in the 18th and 19th centuries, when professionally qualified doctors took control over medical procedures. It thus transformed the barber pole completely from a medical symbol into a mere grooming advertisement.
The industrial age introduced motorized forms of the original pole, developing our modern-day spinning motion. Electric currents meant the stripes could produce an optical illusion of constant downward or upward movement for greater visual appeal for would-be customers. That’s why the barber pole spins so enticingly today.
The contemporary barber pole retains its classic look while performing a totally different function. Barbers today do not concentrate solely on hair cutting, styling, and shaving, but they still retain the historical sign which links their profession with its great past. If you ever visit a top-rated barber shop in Scottsdale, AZ, you’re likely to spot this timeless symbol proudly displayed at the entrance.
A Symbol That Persists
Barber pole’s evolution from medieval medical device to contemporary company sign shows how symbols can survive their original intent while maintaining cultural relevance. From its humble practical use as an advertisement for life-saving medical care, it evolved into an indelible sign of individual grooming as well as community congregation.
Next time you glimpse that old familiar whirling pole, you’ll recognize it symbolizes a heritage of centuries, a medical past, and a development in professional service. The barber pole is a witness to how our heritage is intertwined with contemporary symbols we so rarely recognize. If you have any other questions, ask our team at First and Mane!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Jul 1, 2025 | Blog
Do you regularly visit a local barbershop for haircuts and grooming services? You anticipate the top-notch barbering service from the barbershop. However, your barber also expects you to know etiquette. If you understand these guidelines, your visit to the barbershop will be more enjoyable.
With this in mind, learn about important barbershop rules before scheduling your haircut appointment.
Be Punctual
If you have pre-booked barbering services, arrive at the barbershop on time. This is a way to show respect for the barber’s busy schedule. The professional barber will pay attention to your individual needs and provide the desired services.
A late arrival will disrupt the barber’s workflow and annoy other clients. If you have issues with timing, ask for rescheduling. The best barbershop always adjusts the schedule wherever possible to ensure its clients’ convenience. So, never overlook this barbershop etiquette when you need a haircut and other services.
Maintain Clear Communication
You must communicate with your professional barber before getting the desired haircut. Let your barber know every detail:
- The style you prefer
- Unique details you want
- The desired hair length
The barber and other grooming professionals will understand your vision if you provide these details in advance. They will deliver a haircut according to your expectations.
Clear communication helps you maintain a relationship with your barber.
Put Away Your Smartphone
When the barber is cutting your hair, keep your head still. This approach helps the expert maintain a precise and clean cut. If you keep scrolling, your barber cannot do their job properly. Avoid using your mobile phone while undergoing barbering services.
Silencing your mobile is an important rule for your barbershop visit too. It is a thoughtful gesture towards others in the shop. A peaceful environment will be enjoyable to everyone. On the contrary, noise and distractions caused by your phone affect the barbershop’s ambience.
Thus, before sitting in the chair, check the phone’s settings. You may put the device in vibration mode. This mindfulness creates a relaxing barbershop experience.
Focus on Personal Hygiene
You should practice hygiene before visiting the barbershop. This will help you maintain a positive tone while interacting with the barber.
Thus, take a shower and rinse your hair. It will remove product buildup and excess oil. Your hair will be easily manageable for the barber. Make sure you have cleaned your face before having grooming services in the barbershop.
Trust the Professional Barber’s Opinion
The best barbers are well-trained professionals who will provide some recommendations. It allows them to achieve the desired result for your haircut. All in all, you should trust their instructions during the haircutting session. Also, you must not interfere with the barber’s choice of tools to manage your hairstyle.
Schedule Your Appointment with a Barbershop Today
Contact our barbersfor any barbering services, including haircutting. The best barbershop provides a good ambiance for all clients. Reputable barbers have invested in barber shop necessities to meet clients’ needs. Your role is to abide by the rules when you visit the barbershop, and everyone can have a positive experience!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
